The semicolon is another important tool to have in your writing arsenal. This punctuation mark is primarily used to connect two sentences. But keep in mind the sentences must have similar content. Good writers always string together complex thoughts and show how they relate. A semicolon is the...
A period is a small dot-shaped punctuation mark that is used at the end of any sentence that is intended to make a statement. As with other punctuation marks that end sentences, the period should be placed directly behind the last letter of the last word of the sentence. When to Use ...
Periods are also sometimes used for initials when only the first letter of a word or name is present, such as inH. G. Wells. Three periods together make a new punctuation mark called anellipsis, which can indicate that some words or entire sentences have been omitted (we explain more about...
The meaning of PUNCTUATE is to mark or divide (written matter) with punctuation marks. How to use punctuate in a sentence.
Semicolons are also used in place of coordinating conjunctions like and or but and before conjunctive adverbs like however and moreover. You can also use semicolons to divide items within lists if they are long or contain internal punctuation. Although they’re not interchangeable with commas an...
It’s known for being a one-job punctuation mark because it simply communicates questions. These sentences can be in the form of a direct question or an indirect question. A direct question is an interrogative sentence that asks an “ordinary” question. For example:...
Commas and periods are the most frequently used punctuation marks. Commas customarily indicate a brief pause; they're not as final as periods. Rule 1. Use commas to separate words and word groups in a simple series of three or more items. Example: My estate goes to my husband, son, da...
Such ambiguous sentences should just be rewritten. Rule 4b. In cases of separate rather than joint possession, use the possessive form for both. Examples: Cesar’s and Maribel’s homes are both lovely. They don’t own the homes jointly. Cesar and Maribel’s homes are both lovely. The ...
The first clue about an imperative sentence is itspunctuation. Most of these kinds of sentences end with a period and sometimes anexclamation. Just be careful because imperative sentences aren’t the only sentences that end with a period or exclamation mark (as you’ll see below). The punctua...
Punctuation: Learn what each punctuation mark is meant to do and use them effectively and accurately in this article. Check out the examples given for a much better understanding.